If Things Change After a DV Restraining Order Has Been Issued

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All Restraining Orders have a time limit.

Normally, the "Permanent" Restraining Order will last 5 years.

The person requesting protection can later ask the court to renew that Restraining Order, either for another 5 years or permanently, whether or not there has been any more violence or threats of violence.

If the person requesting protection wants a renewal, he or she should apply for it at any time in the 3 months BEFORE the original Restraining Order runs out.

Only a judge can change or cancel a Restraining Order.

If the person who asked for protection changes his or her mind -- after the hearing, but before the time limit for the Restraining Order has run out - he or she is to file forms with the court.

There are forms to change (modify) the Restraining Order.

There are other forms to drop (dismiss) the Restraining Order.

It's very important that the person who asked for protection file these forms with the court so that the restrained person is not charged with violating a court order.

The restrained person can also ask for the Orders to be modified.

The restrained person can also ask for the Orders to be dropped.

For information about what to do if the restrained person does not follow the court order, click here.

For information about what to do if the protected person moves out of California,click here.